Kelly Hall-Tompkins is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for herself as a violinist, chamber musician, and educator. Born in Washington, D.C., in 1979, Hall-Tompkins grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a jazz musician, which gave her a unique perspective on music and helped her develop a deep appreciation for different genres. Hall-Tompkins began playing the violin at the age of four and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She studied with some of the best teachers in the country, including Dorothy DeLay at the Juilliard School and Itzhak Perlman at the Perlman Music Program. Her dedication and hard work paid off, and she won numerous awards and competitions throughout her career. One of Hall-Tompkins' most significant achievements was winning the Sphinx Competition in 1996. The Sphinx Competition is a prestigious competition for young black and Latino classical musicians, and winning it helped launch Hall-Tompkins' career. She went on to perform with some of the most renowned orchestras in the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra. In addition to her work as a soloist, Hall-Tompkins is also a passionate chamber musician. She is a founding member of the Harlem Quartet, a string quartet that has gained international acclaim for its innovative programming and dynamic performances. The quartet has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Hall-Tompkins is also a dedicated educator and has worked with young musicians throughout her career. She has taught at the Juilliard School, the Perlman Music Program, and the Sphinx Performance Academy, among others. She is passionate about helping young musicians develop their skills and find their own unique voice in the world of classical music. One of Hall-Tompkins' most memorable performances was her solo debut at Carnegie Hall in 2016. She performed the world premiere of "American Rhapsody," a piece written specifically for her by composer and pianist Billy Childs. The piece was inspired by the history of African American music and featured elements of jazz, blues, and gospel. The performance was a huge success, and Hall-Tompkins received a standing ovation from the audience. In addition to her work as a performer and educator, Hall-Tompkins is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in classical music. She has spoken out about the lack of diversity in the classical music world and has worked to create opportunities for young musicians from underrepresented communities. She is a member of the board of directors of the Sphinx Organization, which is dedicated to promoting diversity in classical music. Overall, Kelly Hall-Tompkins is a talented and accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of music. Her dedication to her craft, her passion for teaching, and her commitment to diversity and inclusion have made her a role model for young musicians around the world.

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